A system for the integrated and automated analysis of DNA or protein, including a single-use cartridge, with an analysis device having a control device, and devices for capturing and processing signals, the control device carrying out a completely automatic process and evaluation of molecular diagnostic analysis via single-use cartridges (Lab-on-a-Chip). Controlling of an analysis process, which occurs in the cartridge, involves the subsequent displacement and thermostatization of liquids with a first device, and with a second device the signals which are obtained during the analysis are processed. The first and the second devices are synchronized in such a manner that the analysis process of the sample can be carried out in a totally integrated manner thus producing an immediate result.

The present invention relates to the field of biological sample testing technology, and in particular, to a biological sample reaction vessel. A reagent storage portion and a push rod movable relative to the reagent storage portion are packaged in the reaction vessel; the reagent storage portion comprises at least one reagent containing cavity, and the reagent containing cavity is sealed by a sealing element; and the push rod is connected to the sealing element, and the push rod is used for cooperation with an external device to separate the sealing element from the reagent storage portion. In this application, the reagent storage portion and the push rod are both packaged in the biological sample reaction vessel, and in reaction, the biological sample reaction vessel only needs to cooperate with a test cassette. With one operation, that is, inserting the biological sample reaction vessel into the external device, the reagent in the reagent storage portion can be released rapidly.

The present invention relates to the use of warmers, or autonomous heat packs, for heating and maintaining a solution on at a suitable temperature, for the period of time required to accomplish a chemical, biochemical or biological reaction, in particular in molecular biology or cell biology applications. Biology kits containing warmers are also part of this invention.

According to one aspect of the invention, the apparatus comprises a fluid collecting device configured to receive a sample of breath; a conditioning device coupled to the fluid collecting device and configured to receive the sample of breath and condition the sample with respect to at least one of temperature, flow rate, pressure, humidity, and concentration; and a sensing device coupled to the conditioning device and configured to receive the conditioned sample, wherein the sensing device includes a nanoparticle-based sensor and further whereby the analyte interacts with the sensing device to cause a change that is sensed by the sensing device and wherein the change comprises information useful in characterizing the analyte. Preferably, the apparatus is hand-held and characterizing the analyte is useful for health monitoring.

Systems and methods for performing biological assays are provided herein. The systems and methods determine one or more characteristics of a nucleic acid amplification sample based on a modified optical property of the sample.

A handheld dispensing device has a first dispensing element configured to dispense a structural material and a second dispensing element configured to dispense a biological material. The second dispensing element is single-use and sterilizable. The first dispensing element is connectable to the second dispensing element. A dispensing system also is provided and has a sterilizable chamber; at least one robotic arm assembly and a dispensing device within the sterilizable chamber. The at least one robotic assembly is configured to move the dispensing device that has a first dispensing element and a second dispensing element. The first dispensing element is releasably connectable to the second dispensing element. An external control is device connected to the robotic arm assembly and controls the at least one robotic arm assembly. The first dispensing element dispenses a structural material and the second dispensing element dispenses a biological material.

The present invention relates to methods for amplifying nucleic acids in micro-channels. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods for performing a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in a continuous-flow microfluidic system and to methods for monitoring real-time PCR in such systems.

The present invention relates to systems and methods for monitoring the amplification of DNA molecules and the dissociation behavior of the DNA molecules. A method according to one embodiment of the invention may include the steps of: forcing a sample of a solution containing real-time PCR reagents to move though a channel; and while the sample is moving through an analysis region of the channel, performing the steps of: (a) cycling the temperature of the sample until the occurrence of a predetermined event; (b) after performing step (a), causing the sample's temperature to gradually increase from a first temperature to a second temperature; and (c) while the step of gradually increasing the sample's temperature is performed, using an image sensor to monitor emissions from the sample.

According to one aspect of the invention, the apparatus comprises a fluid collecting device configured to receive a sample of breath; a conditioning device coupled to the fluid collecting device and configured to receive the sample of breath and condition the sample with respect to at least one of temperature, flow rate, pressure, humidity, and concentration; and a sensing device coupled to the conditioning device and configured to receive the conditioned sample, wherein the sensing device includes a nanoparticle-based sensor and further whereby the analyte interacts with the sensing device to cause a change that is sensed by the sensing device and wherein the change comprises information useful in characterizing the analyte. Preferably, the apparatus is hand-held and characterizing the analyte is useful for health monitoring.

A system for maintaining a biological sample within a desired temperature range during transport. Preferably, the system includes a container defining an inner chamber; a specimen receptacle for housing a biological sample, wherein the specimen receptacle is configured to be placed within the inner chamber of the container; a heat source configured to be placed within the inner chamber of the container; and a heat sink. The heat sink is configured to be positioned between the heat source and the specimen receptacle, thereby preventing direct heat transfer between the heart source and the specimen receptacle. Certain embodiments also relate to a method for maintaining biological samples within a desired temperature range during transport, using at least some of the system components. Preferably, the components used with the method are configured to maintain the sample at a temperature greater than 0 C. and less than approximately 37 C. during shipping.